It’s clear that the Milwaukee Bucks‘ core is already formidable with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard at the helm. However, the team could become an even bigger threat in the NBA if they manage to acquire Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings.
Ellis kicked off his basketball journey at Eustis High School in Florida before moving to Leesburg High School, where he led his team to back-to-back state championships. After high school, he chose to play at Florida Southwestern in junior college, quickly establishing himself.
In his freshman year, he averaged 8.3 points and received Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. His sophomore year was exceptional, as he broke school records with an average of 18.1 points and 2.1 steals per game, earning recognition as a Second Team NJCAA All-American and the Suncoast Player of the Year.
In 2020, Ellis transferred to the University of Alabama, where he continued to hone his skills. During his junior year, he averaged 5.5 points and four rebounds per game, and in his senior season, he was selected for the SEC All-Defensive Team, averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Although he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ellis signed a two-way contract with the Kings. He demonstrated his potential during the NBA Summer League and went on to sign a multi-year contract in 2024. Notably, he achieved a career-high of 26 points in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and played a key role in the Kings’ victory over the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.
Ellis from the Sacramento Kings has been identified as a potential trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks
After two seasons in the league, Ellis is gradually establishing himself in Sacramento. According to NBA analyst Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report, the young guard could significantly benefit the Bucks if they acquire him.
“Ellis should be the Kings’ starting shooting guard this season, but the backcourt is packed with talent, including De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, rookie Devin Carter, and others. If Ellis finds himself out of the rotation, he’d make a great trade target for several teams due to his three-point shooting, defense, hustle, and a $ 2.1 million salary,” Swartz noted.
Last season, Ellis averaged 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He also shot 41 percent from beyond the arc while performing well defensively. His ability to hit long-range shots while defending opposing guards will be valuable, especially with Patrick Beverley no longer on the roster.
It’s uncertain whether Milwaukee will actively pursue Ellis or if another team will eventually acquire him. Regardless, his affordable contract and skill set would complement a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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